Whenever parents are gathered together at work, at church, in the grocery store, or at a family event you will likely hear the questions: What are you doing with your child after school? What is your child doing this summer?

The growing number of families with primary caregivers employed full time has created widespread concern for how children spend their out of school time. This issue brief explores several aspects of after school programs including: their positive impacts, the potential demand for programs, the importance of quality, and current efforts to expand these programs in Arkansas.